Essay on Inspirational Graduation Speech - 744 Words

Ok, its 12:15 and I just walked into my house from seeing a movie with three of my best friends and I have to write this speech. A speech that’s suppose to inspire all of you, and tell you how the future has so much to hold for the class of 2015, how the possibilities are endless. Right now I’m probably standing in the front of the class and supposed to be addressing all of you as â€Å"fellow graduates, or to the class of 15’†. But that’s not what I’m going to do. I put this off as I do with the majority of my work thinking I would just write something everyone expects to hear, but instead I wrote this. I’m not going to tell you to go on and do well, become the doctors and lawyers and teachers of tomorrow. This isn’t a speech to tell you†¦show more content†¦No one has the memories I have, they’re mine. No one can tell the stories I’ve told or been where I’ve been. Just me. But for you, it’s exactly the same. I’ve never been perfect nor will I ever claim to be, I just get by. But for me, that’s what it’s all about. If you’ve asked me in the past if I’m nervous to move on, nervous to leave this place I most likely put on a stern exterior, one of certainty and readiness. The truth is, I’m going to miss being here. No matter how many times I wasn’t in class, no matter how many fights I’ve been in with my friends and family I will never, not for a moment look past this town. It’s more than a town, it’s who we are. We’re all going away in three months give or take, but a part of us will always be here. If you ever hear someone mutter â€Å"jazzy† in a bar your going to think of Yags, you ever watch a movie with any type of high school theme for the rest of your lives your going to be right back here, forcing your way down the A wing in-between periods. Never forget where you came from, and never take for granted what you have right now. For the next three months we’re invincible! No one can stop you! Get into trouble, go out have fun and be an eighteen year old! Stay a high school student, not a lawyer in training. You can do whatever you want with yourselves in the future, but don’t worry about that right now. We’ve all gotten this far. Go out, have fun with your friends. Stuff yourselves into that basement, or garage orShow MoreRelatedSteve Jobs Commencement Speech Analysis1462 Words   |  6 PagesOn his commencement speech to Stanford students on June 12, 2005, Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple computers and PIXAR animations, used carefully crafted inspi rational anecdotes and rhetorical devices like ethos and pathos to move his audience to explore, follow their dream and do what they love no matter the odds. Jobs’ gave his commencement address at Stanford students graduation ceremony in 2005, which had an audience size of about 23000. The audience is composed of immensely diverse groups of peopleRead MoreGraduation Speech : A Rite Of Passage1527 Words   |  7 PagesFor many adolescent individuals in America, graduation is considered a rite of passage. Often, Americans couple graduation with a celebration of opening a new chapter of their life. Specifically, transitioning from a high school student to a graduate. In this essay I will explain what a rite of passage is and what graduation is. Also, I will discuss how graduation is approached as a rite of passage in my culture, and what celebration in regards to graduation looks like and means to many. Almost allRead MoreMaya Angelou s Graduation Day1038 Words   |  5 Pagessuperiority and reinforce the subjugation of others. Words set up society and the general chain of command. It is the power within the words that lends significance to the inspirational speeches and songs held so dearly in the hearts of many. Due to their significant daily presence, words hold an immense power. In Maya Angelou’s â€Å"Graduation Day,† she carefully describes the intense negative power one man’s words have on an entire community. Angelou also illustrates a very emotional positive power that aRead MoreTexas s Annual Graduation Ceremony911 Words   |  4 PagesCollege’s annual graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 9am-noon at NRG Stadium. President and CEO of the Houston Texans Jamey Rootes will be the keynote speaker at commencement. The ceremony registration deadline is extended until Friday, May 6. Register online: hccs.edu/graduation The HCC Alumni Association is hosting a free Graduation Celebration for the class of 2016 on May 6 at 6pm at the West Loop campus auditorium. The event will have food, music, an inspirational speakerRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Steve Jobs Speech848 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout time, many inspirational speeches have been remembered, because of how they connect with the audience. Steve Job’s speech during the Stanford’s graduation was inspiring to many of the college graduates. Many people think in order to be successful a college degree is mandatory. Even if they do not like what they are doing. People should love what they do, and should not follow dogma. With his speech, Steve Job’s convinced the multicultural population at Stanford University to be prominentRead MoreOprah Winfreys Speech at Stanford Graduation 20081298 Words   |  6 PagesSpeech Analysis Paper Oprah Winfrey Stanford University Graduation 2008 This speech was about three lessons that Oprah Winfrey has come across in her professional and personal life. She talked about striving to be yourself and not anyone else and how you can grasp failure and turn it around by embracing it and finding the solution, and lastly how happiness comes when you give back to others. Her first lesson was about striving to be your own self; she talked about in the beginning of herRead MorePublic Speech On Public Speaking901 Words   |  4 Pageswas exposed to public speaking. A guest speaker coming to talk to our class, the priest giving a homily at mass, large assemblies with inspirational speakers, and our graduation speech are a few examples that come to mind. Although it seems like only famous people or teachers ever have to speak in public, in reality, almost everyone will have to give a speech in front of a large group at some point in their lives. This is why public speaking is a required course for most students. Public speakingRead MoreSteve Jobs Speech Draft : Steve Job944 Words   |  4 PagesSteve Jobs Speech Draft Steve Job’s was one of the most successful men in the world. He accomplished many things in his life before he lost his bout with cancer. Jobs, ironically himself a college dropout, presented the 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University that was both inspiring and gave people a look into how he became the man that he was. I believe Steve Jobs speech is somewhat awkward due to his audience, utilizes the art of storytelling to engage his audience, and utilizes hisRead MoreLeadership1159 Words   |  5 Pagesactions undertaken. Finally, the ultimate test of leadership is the endurance of institutions and legacy of work started by leader that can be carried forward across generations. In this context, I would like to talk about my father, who is an inspirational role model to me. He comes from a very big, yet humble family that depends on agriculture for livelihood. My grand father supported the family of 8 children. My father was the eldest among all the children and the financial situation forced himRead MoreThe Misuse of Diversity in Education668 Words   |  3 PagesCalifornia, seven out of every eight black students presently attend a segregated school†. This inaccuracy was not only limited to racial imbalance but in the coursework being taught under the misnomer of diversity. He references that while the inspirational lessons of such pioneers as Ruby Bridges, the first black student integrated into an all-white elementary school in 1960, Linda Brown who was appointed to the NAACP to integrate schools and civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were

Should Euthanasia Be Legalized - 1220 Words

Due to the concern of many incurable patients, it is rarely known that Euthanasia, a termination of one’s life with his/her self-willingness, is a release of permanent pain. On the other hand, it is committed by the doctors. Among Voluntary, non-voluntary and involuntary Euthanasia, only is Voluntary Euthanasia being universally concerned by human beings. Various fascinating facts, Australia has already approved this act and many people from other countries have also committed Euthanasia. Regarding this topic, people have been in many debates about whether performing Euthanasia. The majority of the debates is talking about in two areas of knowledge, Ethics and the Human Sciences. Some say Euthanasia is still a way of killing and more importantly, most of the doctors cannot manipulate their mental pressure after â€Å"murdering† the patients. Unlikely, some believe that Euthanasia helps the patients to quickly end their torture from the incurable illness. Therefore, I wi ll address the concern of Euthanasia in the United States and also propose some possible solutions to the Department of Health in the United States. As a result, I support establishing Euthanasia into the United States’ constitution of the Department of Health. Towards the supporters, an elder lady from Netherland demonstrates the free will of Euthanasia, even it is illegal there. The lady signed the consent of Euthanasia with certain circumstances, for example, if she is no longer be able to eat and drinkShow MoreRelatedShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1360 Words   |  6 PagesAbout 55% of terminally ill patients die in atrocious pain. Euthanasia is a practice that hasn’t been legalized in many places, and is usually performed by lethal injection. In the United States euthanasia is only legalized in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and certain areas of Texas. Some citizens feel that euthanasia should be legalized because they should have the sole right to their life. Othe rs feel that God is the one that has the authority over a person’s life. There have been many cases whereRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?864 Words   |  4 Pagescontroversy over euthanasia. Because there is a sharp conflict on the issue, some countries accept mercy killing lawful while others do not. The main arguments about the issue are whether the deliberate intervention on one’s life to the end is morally right or wrong. Some say euthanasia should be legalized because it is the only way to relieve harsh pain and meet ‘real happiness’ for the patients who are not expected to maintain their lives more. They also argue that people should respect the patients’Read MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?971 Words   |  4 Pages Legalization of euthanasia in China Youyou Zhuang English Language Center, University of Victoria Youyou Zhuang, a student in English language center of University of Victoria. zhuangyoyo@gmail.com Legalization of euthanasia in China The hospital is a place where to cure the sickness and to save the patients. Have you ever thought a kind of â€Å"killing† could happen in the hospital? It is the â€Å"mercy killing†, also called euthanasia. Till now, euthanasia is legal in Netherlands, BelgiumRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1413 Words   |  6 Pagesstatement: euthanasia should be legalized. There exist numerous topics that are controversial within the criminal justice system. Euthanasia, the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relive pain and suffering, is one that has been around for a long time. Many people believe that it should continue being illegal due to certain moral values. However, some people argue that euthanasia should be decriminalized because people should have the right to die when they want to. Euthanasia hasRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?907 Words   |  4 Pagesactive euthanasia, which is a highly contentious issue in the United States. Voluntary active euthanasia is currently illegal in the United States. However, I believe that patients with terminal illnesses experiencing a lot of pain and misery should have the right to die the way they choose, with dignity, instead of being subjected to agony. People should be able to choose voluntary active euthanasia, if ever need be, which is why I believe that despite current policy, voluntary active euthanasia shouldRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1050 Words   |  5 Pagesend quickly, but knew it was not going to happen. If euthanasia and/or assisted suicide was legalized, perhaps his wish could have been true. Unfortunately, euthanasia is only legal in the states of Oregon and Washington at the current time. Euthanasia is considered immoral and wrong for contradicting a doctor’s job. However, it save s families the horrible sight of their loved ones dying, safeguards being up to protect any abuse towards euthanasia, and ultimate choice of being euthanized is upon theRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1272 Words   |  6 Pagesthe natural body is able to heal itself and grow. Not only is it human nature to survive and prosper, it is also instinct to be frightened of death and suffering. Euthanasia has been a topic of debate ever since the Roman and Greek physicians have started to poison terminally ill patients with their consent. Today’s definition of euthanasia is â€Å"the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless wayRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1210 Words   |  5 Pagesconcerns is dying with dignity and not left to suffer a long and drawn out death. Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, is a sensitive and very controversial subject. Severa l people believe, doctors should not participate in any action that ends a person’s life due to the Hippocratic Oath stating that doctors are obligated to save lives. Although, euthanasia is considered to be immoral and even murder, it should be legalized when a person’s quality of life, due to an incurable illness, is gradually goingRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1490 Words   |  6 Pagesjust like you are in pain. What would you do? Euthanasia is and act where a person assist the death of other person and relieves him/her from pain. It is also called as mercy killing. It is controversial because, some may thing it is immoral and some may think it is against their religious values. But, the fact is, the person who suffers with pain knows the pain better than anybody. It is the person’s decision to make. Euthanasia should be legalized with the involvements of legal documents basedRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1970 Words   |  8 Pagespaper I’m going to prove to you why I think Euthanasia should be legalized. Euthanasia refers to taking a deliberate action with the express intention of ending a life to relieve suffering. Some interpret Euthanasia as the practice of ending a life in a painless manner. There are two forms of Euthanasia. Passive Euthanasia is when a patient gets an injection to put them to sleep and they never wake up. It’s a very fast and painless death. Active Euthanasia is when a patient does not get the medicine

The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini Essay Example For Students

The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini Essay In his Novel, The Kite Runner, author Khaled Hosseini writes about a young boy named Amir who is a coward, but later in life redeems himself. Redemption is what Amir thirst, for as a wilted plant seeking water in the scorching heat of summer. Like a lotus flower that grows out the mud and blossoms above the muddy water surface, so too does Amir rise above his defilements and sufferings of life. Growing up in Afghanistan, Amir is blessed with the fruits of luxury and the friendship of Hassan. Baba who is Amir’s father is an incredibly wealthy man but seems to admire Hassan for his courage and â€Å"manliness†, a trait that lacks in Amir’s character. Baba spends his life on helping the poor by building an orphanage, feeding people on the streets. He was hoping to redeem himself before he passes away from this world. Baba changed the future of his family when he decided to hide the fact that Hassan is his son. His honor didn’t let him reveal the truth that he is ashamed of. From the beginning of the story, he was trying to grow Amir as a â€Å"real man† who stands up for himself and also for somebody else when it is needed. Like he stood up for a woman who was about to get raped â€Å"Haven’t I taught you anything?† (Baba, 116) and also while he was dying, Amir asked what he is going to do without his father? Baba responded: â€Å"All those years that’s what I was try. .he people who would have given their lives for us(Amir, 226). Rahim Khan is the key character in the novel because he led Amir into the path of realization and forgiveness. He was like a second father for Amir, his knowledge about Baba’s secret was making it easy for him to understand Amir. â€Å"I know how hard your father was on you when you were growing up, I saw you suffered and yearned for his affections and my heart bled for you (Rahim Khan, 301). Eventually, both characters find peace in their life, they learned that there is a way to be good again if they strive for the important values in life that gives the real meaning of redemption. â€Å"A true redemption is when the guilt leads to good† (Rahim Khan, 302). If you dedicate yourself to a commitment like these characters, you have already become one of the good people who worth be loved thousand times over.

Silent Way free essay sample

The teacher assists learners to use that knowledge in the target language, and then the teacher can continue putting together sounds to make a word * Silence is considered the best vehicle for learning because in silence students concentrate on the task to be accomplished and the potential means to its accomplishment * The Silent Way claims to facilitate what psychologists call learning to learn† * Learning is facilitated only; if the learner discovers or creates rather than remembers and repeats what is to be learned, * by accompanying physical objects, * by problem solving involving the material to be learned * The Silent Way views learning as a problem-solving, creative, discovering activity, in which the learner is a principal actor * The rods and the color-coded pronunciation charts provide physical foci for student learning and also create memorable images to facilitate student recall Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember Involve me and I learn Objectives * General objective is to give beginning level students oral and aural facility in basic elements of the target language * The general goal is near-native fluency in the target language and correct pronunciation * An immediate objective is to provide the learner with a basic practical knowledge of the grammar of the language * Learners could be able to; Correctly and easily answer questions about themselves, their education, their family, travel, and daily events – practical knowledge and use of the target language; * Speak with a good accent; * Perform adequately in the following areas: spelling, grammar (production rather than explanation), reading comprehension, and writing Materials The materials consist mainly of a set of colored rods, color-coded pronunciation and vocabulary wall charts, a pointer and reading/writing exercises * The pronunciation charts, called Fidels, have been devised for a number of languages a nd contain symbols in the target language for all of the vowel and consonant sounds of the language * The colored cuisenaire rods are used to directly link words and structures with their meanings in the target language, thereby avoiding translation into the native language * The vocabulary or word charts are Iikewise color-coded here are typically such charts containing 500 to 800 words in the native language and script Words are selected according to their ease of application in teaching, their flexibility in terms of generalization and use with other words and their importance in illustrating basic grammatical structures: * Functional vocabulary: prepositions, numbers, pronouns, quantifiers, words dealing with temporal relations, and words of comparison. We will write a custom essay sample on Silent Way or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page These kinds of words are referred to as the functional vocabulary of a language because of their high utility. * Luxury vocabulary: words used in communicating more specialized ideas, such as political or philosophical opinions. * Semi-luxury vocabulary: common expressions in the daily life Application * Classes often begin by using Fidel charts in the native language * The first part of the lesson focuses on pronunciation Rods, pictures, objects, or situations are other aids used for presentation in order to connect sounds and meanings * L1 can be used to give instructions when necessary. Meaning is made clear by focusing the students perceptions, not by translation * The teacher models a word, phrase or sentence and then elicits learner responses * After modeling the utterance, the teacher will have a student attempt to produce the utterance and will indicate its acceptability * If a response is incorrect, the teacher will attempt to reshape the utterance or have another student present the correct model * Students are presented with the structural patterns of the target language and learn the grammar rules of he language through largely inductive processes * Lessons follow a sequence based on grammatical complexity, and one element presented at a time * New lexical and structural material is meticulously broken down into its elements * A typical order would be like this: colors, numbers, prepositions, daily activities, daily dialogues and so on * Reading and writing are sometimes taught from the beginning and students are given assignments to do outside the classroom at their own pace Learners’ Role * The teacher is reluctant to repeat and that the student is obliged to pay close attention * Independent Learners must de pend and use what they already know * Autonomous Learners choose proper expressions in a given set of circumstances and situations * Responsible Learners must have to ability to choose intelligently * Learners are expected to interact with each other and suggest alternatives to each other, they must learn to work cooperatively rather than competitively Teacher’s Role * The teacher is a technician or an engineer who facilitates learning. * The teachers role is one of neutral observer. * The teacher is silent. The teachers presence in the classroom is limited to providing a model of the language that the students are going to work on. * The teachers tasks as: * to teach: the presentation of an item once, typically using nonverbal clues to get across meanings * to test: elicitation and shaping of student production is done in as silent a way as possible * to get out of the way: the teacher silently monitors learners interactions with each other and may even leave the room while learners struggle with their new linguistic tools Teacher’s Role * Sequence and timing are more important than in many kinds of language teaching classes, and the teachers sensitivity to and management of them is critical. The teacher uses gestures, charts, and manipulatives in order to elicit and shape student responses and so must be both facile and creative Advantages * Silent Way learners acquire  «inner criteria » * Creates a correctly, adequately working inter-language * The self-esteem of the studen ts will be increased and this will enhance learning * Learners gain practical knowledge and use of the target language Disadvantages * Method should be used in small groups of students * The rigidity of the system may be meaningless. * How successfully it might be used at more advanced levels is questionable. * Language is separated from its social context and taught through artificial situations usually by rods

Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum

Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum Introduction Research Purpose In the 21st century, one of the recurring debates in the business field concerns the fundamental role played by employees in enabling organizations to accomplish their set objectives, including maintaining competitive advantage in the marketplace (Hakes, 1991).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A rapidly changing economic environment typified by such phenomena as vagrancies of the macroeconomic environment, globalization and deregulation of markets, shifting customer and shareholder demands, and escalating product-market competition, has turned out to be the norm, necessitating organizations to reformulate and restructure their practices and policies to remain relevant (Topolosky, 2000). The stakes are even higher in the oil and gas indu stry, which is inarguably affected by a myriad of events as they unfold on the world map (Stevens, 1998). One of the key priority areas that have been targeted by the oil companies as a matter of urgency is employee satisfaction and motivation, especially after the realization by leaders that people concerns are business concerns, and that success comes through people (Bruce Pepitone, 1999). This study is informed by the need for organizations to develop and implement processes and programs that will ensure employees remain productive and committed to the goals, objectives and aspirations of their respective organizations through embracing strategies, programs, and value propositions that enhance their productivity and commitment to the organization. More importantly, The present study will purpose to critically evaluate employee satisfaction strategies, including current motivation and reward system in Qatar petroleum, with a view to inform human resource policy on the underlying issues related to how employees could be further empowered to push the company’s agenda forward. Background to the Organization This particular study will be focused on critically evaluating employee satisfaction, current motivation, and reward system in Qatar petroleum. This state-owned company, which runs joint ventures with other international oil giants such as Shell and Petrochina, is responsible for all oil and gas exploration, processing, and marketing in Qatar and Abroad (Qatar, Petroleum, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Siddiqi (2009), â€Å"Qatar, the worlds leading natural gas exporter, is home to the third-largest gas reserves, after Russia and Iran. The offshore North Fields reservoir, covering a small area of 6,000 sq km, boasts more reserves than the combined proved figure for the Americas and Western Europe, as r eported by BP at 756 trillion cubic feet† (p. 49). The accomplishments of the Qatar Petroleum are mind-boggling, with industry players and published financial data portraying a company with proven verification of stellar growth in the past few years despite the volatility in the global economy occasioned by the 2008 financial crisis (Siddiqi, 2009). Presently, the company has managed to enlarge its international investment portfolio through prudent management principles, insightful forward investment planning, and strategic investments in oil and gas projects around the world. Consequently, the company â€Å"remains focused on achieving long-term strategic targets and objectives†¦and now plays an essential role in supplying gas to regional markets as well as those in North America, Asia, and Europe† (Qatar Petroleum Home Page, 2010 para. 2 ). The company’s management takes cognizance of the fact that these set of targets and objectives can only be realized a nd maintained through strategic investment in human capital. Towards the realization of this objective, Qatar Petroleum has invested heavily on strategies and policies aimed at boosting employee satisfaction to enhance their motivation levels. Some of the strategies the company has put in place to enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, and reward system includes visas/residence permits, relief cover, overtime eligibility, guaranteed overtime, unscheduled overtime payment, and standby compensation allowances, among others (Employee Handbook, 2010). Problem Discussion In the modern dynamic and competitive business environment, many managers are contemplating on which methodologies they can possibly employ to offer satisfaction and motivation to their employees. The ramifications of an unmotivated workforce are a huge expense to the performance and productivity of any organization. In terms of tangible organizational gains, employees can contribute fresh and innovative initiatives, put in more time and energy to satisfy a strategic customer, or have exceptional capabilities that no one else possesses. Organizations, therefore, stands to gain, productively, when employees are fully committed and engaged to the principles and core values set by management (Chen Kocaoglu, 2008; Alford, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Harrell Daim (2010), â€Å"managers need to make sure they are in tune with their employees’ motivators†¦Asking employees what motivates them and listening and acting on their responses is very important ( p. 23). Not all employees have the same needs or value the same thing in regard to satisfaction and motivation strategies and reward systems. Organizations stand to gain immeasurable benefits f rom learning and understanding what their employees’ value in regard to satisfaction and motivation strategies and reward systems. It is a well known fact that employees’ needs and goals are constantly changing and human resource strategies that may be in use today to satisfy and motivate an employee may not necessarily offer satisfaction and motivation some six months from now. It is against this backdrop that this particular study will aim to critically evaluate employee satisfaction and current motivation levels and reward system in Qatar Petroleum with a view to inform HR policies and strategies on the industry’s best practice and offer remedies that can be used in these areas to achieve optimal employee performance. Aims of the Study The general objective of the study will be to critically evaluate employee satisfaction and current motivation and reward system in Qatar Petroleum. The following will be the specific objectives: Critically evaluate if the cur rent employee satisfaction and motivation strategies are in line with Qatar Petroleum employees’ needs, aspirations, and goals; Critically evaluate the role of Qatar Petroleum’s leadership in establishing processes and procedures that support employee satisfaction and motivation, including the current reward system; Critically evaluate the relationship between employee satisfaction on one hand and current motivation and reward system on the other in enhancing employee performance and productivity in Qatar Petroleum; Analyze and report on probable alternatives that can be used by management to enhance employee satisfaction and motivation; and Formulate conclusions on the way forward regarding employee satisfaction and current motivation and reward system in Qatar Petroleum. Review of Related Literature Introduction This section aims to look at literature related to employee satisfaction, motivation, and reward systems, including the study’s relationship to previ ous works, Qatar’s Petroleum experience, and formulation of key research questions. Employee Satisfaction The earliest employee satisfaction study took place in the decade of the 1930s (Lavigna, 2010). Since that time, significant progress has been achieved, both in applied perspectives and on theoretical fronts.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During the 1950s, established corporations were undertaking employee satisfaction research on habitual basis, and by the 1970s, some research analysts had already designed standardized employee satisfaction questionnaire tools for use by organizations (Sandler, 2010). Since then, thousands of research articles on employee satisfaction have been published (Topolosky, 2000). In her 1992 research article evaluating the various facets of employee satisfaction, E. Ostroff argued that â€Å"†¦it has been proposed that satisfaction and the happiness of personnel heighten organizational effectiveness†¦Organizations that alienate workers through their practices will be less effective and efficient† (Topolosky, 2000 p. 15). Other seminal research articles, including those of Drucker (1955) and Davenport (2000), have demonstrated the fact that satisfied employees are creative and productive employees (Allen Willburn, 2002). Yi-Feng (2009) noted that organizational productivit y and performance are achieved, to a large extent, through employee satisfaction initiatives, including focusing attention to employees’ physical and emotional needs. Employee Motivation The seminal studies of â€Å"†¦human motivation started as early as the Greeks, and is still intriguing many researchers today† (Harrell Daim, 2010, p. 23). To date, numerous theories of motivation has been developed, including A. Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation (1943), McGregor theories of X and Y (1950s), Herzberg’s Motivation –Hygiene Theory (1987), and Adams Theory of Inequality (2002), among others1. The most excruciating problem with employee motivation is that employers don’t discover motivated employees; they offer favourable environments for employees to become motivated. In her book on ways to motivate employees, Podmoroff (2005) wrote that â€Å"†¦even the sharpest and most refined recruitment and hiring strategies are no match for the culprits of employee de-motivation† (p. 9). The key for organizational management, therefore, is to show their appreciation for employees’ efforts at the workplace, not only through monetary remuneration2, but also through other benefits such as awards, training opportunities (Caligiuri Lazarova, 2005). Individuals are motivated by divergent value prepositions, needs, and aspirations (Irving Montes, 2009). However, a positive motivation philosophy in an organizational setting is always welcome since it assists employees to improve productivity, commitment, quality, and service. A 2002 Gallup study reported by Corporate Leadership Council (2003) revealed that highly motivated employees often demonstrate above average levels of the following attributes: Customer loyalty (56%); productivity (50%); employee retention (50%); safety records (50%); and profitability (33%). There is, therefore, compelling evidence for organizations to enhance strategies and processes tha t will facilitate employee motivation. Reward System Many organizational theorists are of the opinion that an effective and balanced reward system plays a fundamental role for the organization. In most cases, the reward system is used by organizations to, among other things, pay employees for their performance, generate and maintain positive behavioural change, act as incentives for employees, and lifts employee performance, thereby lifting the overall productivity and profitability of the organization (Wilson, 1994). An effective reward strategy should focus attention on facilitating positive reinforcement among employees because it motivates them to take actions in return of tangible or intangible benefits for performing their roles (Belcher, 1996). An effective reward system, according to Belcher (1996), should work on the basis of rewarding the energy and time commitments offered by employees as opposed to compensating them for their efforts. The Qatar Petroleum Experience Qatar Petroleum is undoubtedly a market leader in oil and gas industry in the Middle East and indeed in many other parts of the world (Al-Harthy, 2008). Such an outstanding feat can only be achieved through efficient management of the company’s strategic resources, including outstanding management of its systems and processes. In the company’s revised employee handbook (2010), an assiduous and conscientious industry analyst cannot help noticing the rich aura of systems and processes put in place to safeguard the interests of employees, including coherent recruitment procedures, working schedules and overtime, salary administration, employee benefits and allowances, provisions for annual leave and official holidays, absenteeism, employee relations, training and development, and provisions for terminal benefits, among others. The above provisions offer fertile ground for enhanced employee satisfaction and motivation. In particular, the social allowance, insurance schemes, hou sing allowance, furnishing allowance, location allowance, shift allowance, basic transport allowance, car loan, performance bonus, and social and recreational facilities (Employee Handbook, 2010), offers immeasurable morale and satisfaction for employees to perform and stay longer with an organization (Yi-Feng, 2009). Yet, employee needs, goals, and aspirations keep shifting by the day, hence the need to conduct such a study to inform policy and identify possible gaps in enhancing employee satisfaction, motivation, and reward system in Qatar Petroleum. Key Research Questions This study will be guided by the following research questions Does the existing reward system in Qatar Petroleum in line with industry trends, and is the system doing enough to facilitate employee satisfaction and motivation? What are the employees’ projections and expectations regarding ideal employee satisfaction and motivation strategies that could be used by the management of Qatar Petroleum to push the organization’s agenda forward? What is the role of Qatar Petroleum’s management in helping design, formulate, and implement policies that enhance employee satisfaction and motivation, including revising existing schedules to align them with industry trends and adopting new innovative procedures in the company’s reward system to facilitate employee satisfaction and motivation? What is the role of employees in ensuring long-term growth and sustainability of Qatar Petroleum? Methodology Introduction This segment purposes to discuss the research design, population and sample size, instrumentation, and data collection tools that will be used in this particular study. The segment will also discuss how data will be analyzed and relevant ethical issues relating to the study. Research Design The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative research designs to critically evaluate employee satisfaction and current motivation and reward system in Qatar Petroleum , with a view to inform the company’s human resource practice and policy on how it could be designed to alleviate possible gaps, thereby enhancing employee productivity. Hopkins (2000) notes that most quantitative research designs are concerned with evaluating the correlation between variables, and are either descriptive or experimental. It is important to note that this study will utilize a descriptive strategy since the participants will only be measured once (Sekaran, 2006). A survey approach using internet protocols will be utilized to collect quantitative data among selected employees of Qatar Petroleum. Qualitative data will be collected by means of telephone interviews, and will target selected managers of the company. Maxwell (2005) postulates that qualitative research approaches are predominantly ideal when the researcher is interested in assessing human behaviour, values, attitudes, preferences, and perceptions. Qualitative research designs can employ either the cas e study strategy or survey design to collect the necessary data (Maxwell, 2005). The researcher will utilize the survey design using telephone interviews. An elaborate review of literature will also be undertaken; including a critical analysis of documents and reports found on the internet or availed by the company’s HR department. Target Population and Sample Size The population for this study will comprise of managers or supervisors and employees working for Qatar Petroleum. The sample will comprise of 50 managers or supervisors heading different departments and 100 employees, also working in different departments of the company. The managers or their supervisors will be sampled, online, through purposive sampling approach while the employees will be sampled using convenience sampling procedure. Sekaran (2006) notes that participants in a purposive sample are selected based on their understanding of the topic under study, while a convenient sample comprise of participants i n the research framework by virtue of being in the right position or environment at the right time. Data Gathering Instruments Quantitative data will be collected using self-administered questionnaires while qualitative data will be collected using telephone interviews. Self-administered questionnaires are cost effective and can be administered with much ease, not mentioning the fact that they are effective when the researcher wants to collect confidential data from study participants (Sekaran, 2006). According to Maxwell (2005), interviews are advantageous in that not only does the method enable the researcher to create rapport with the subjects, hence achieving their cooperation, but it also permits the researcher an opportunity to explore and probe further for more information. Reliability and Validity Reliability Reliability can be described as the consistency of measurement. In research studies, reliability can be described as the degree to which a data gathering tool is able t o measure the variables or phenomena consistently when is used under comparable conditions (Handley, 2005). Internal consistency of questionnaire and interview items will be employed to ensure adequate uniformity in responses given out by the two sets of participants. Items measuring similar concepts will be grouped together to ensure reliability. In addition, elaborate guidelines on how to complete the questionnaires will be issued to the subjects to abridge data collector’s error, which, if unchecked, leads to unreliable results. Validity Validity is a term that is used to describe a measure or instrument that correctly reflects the phenomena it is intended to measure, thereby strengthening the conclusions, deductions, or propositions made from the study findings (Handley, 2005). Internal validity, which refers to the soundness of an investigation, will be achieved through employing appropriate sampling procedures and using a validated and reliable questionnaire schedule an d interview guideline for purposes of data collection. The same procedures will be used coupled with the involvement of an adequate sample size to achieve external validity, thereby ensuring that the project findings could be generalized to other settings. Ethical Considerations Saunders et al (2007) posits that â€Å"†¦ethics refers to the appropriateness of your behaviour in relation to the rights of those who become the subject of your work, or are affected by it† (p. 178). In addition to requesting for permission from the human resources manager in Qatar Petroleum to conduct the survey and interviews, the researcher will also take time to explain to the participants the nature and purpose of the study, not mentioning the fact that the researcher will keep the participants in the know about their rights, especially the right to informed consent and the right to privacy. Data Analysis Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS, with the analysis encompassing data co ding, entry, cleaning, actual analysis, and interpretation of data. The software package will then be used to run univariate analyses purposed to generate frequency distributions. The data resulting from the distributions will be further harnessed, interpreted and presented using statistical procedures such as pie-charts, bar-graphs, and normal text. Qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis procedure, whereby data will be reduced, presented, and finally, conclusion drawing and verification made (Sekaran, 2006). Stevens (2003) posits that, â€Å"†¦content analysis is the systematic description of behaviour asking who, what, where, why, and how questions within formulated systematic rules to limit the effects of analyst bias†¦It is the preferred technique for analysing semi-structured interviews† as is the case in this study (p. 143). Plan of Work The chart below shows all planned activities towards the successful completion of the research project. Planned Activity Begin End Actual Formulate and agree dissertation proposal May 29, 2010 July 21 Literature Review May15 Aug. 20 Develop and Refine Research Methodology July 21 Aug 14 Conduct Interviews Aug 18 Sept 18 Transcribe Interview Data Sept 18 Oct 18 Design, Issue, and Collect Questionnaires Sept 1 Oct 31 Contingency Period Nov 1 Nov 14 Data Analysis and Discussion of Results Nov 14 Dec 14 Write First Draft Dec 15 Jan 15 Proofread and Corrections Jan 16 Jan 31 Binding and Final Submission Jan 31 Jan 31 Resources Required Apart from the resource of time, which is fundamentally important in any research undertaking, financial resources will be needed to cover costs associated with conducting interviews and designing, issuing, and collecting the questionnaire schedules. List of References Alford, J (2009). Engaging Public Sector Clients: From Service-Delivery to Co-Production. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Al-Harthy, M.H (2008). Motivation: A Challenge for Oil and Gas Companies – An Omani Case Study. Web. Allen, D.R., Wilburn, M (2002). Linking customer and employee satisfaction to the bottom line. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: American society for Quality. Belcher, J.G (1996). How to Design and Implement a Results-Oriented Variable Pay System. New York: Amacom. Bruce, A., Pepitone, J.S (1999). Motivating Employees. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Books. Caligiuri, P., Lazarova, M (2005). Work-Life Balance and the Effective Management of Global Assignees. In: S.A.Y. Poelmans (Eds) Work and Family: An International Research Perspective. Malwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Chen, H., Kocaoglu, D.F (2008). A Sensitivity Analysis Algorithm for Hierarchical Decision Models. European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 185: 1, p. 266-288. Corporate Leadership Council (2003). Linking Employee Satisfaction with Productivity, Performance, and Customer Satisfaction. Web. Davenport, T.O (2000). Workers as Assets: A Good Start But†¦Employment Relations Today Vol. 31, Issue 2. Drucker, P.F (1955). Integration of People and Planning. Harvard Business Review, Vol. 33, Issue 6, p. 35-40. Employee Handbook (2010).Qatar Petroleum Human Resource Department. Hakes, C (1991). Total Quality Management: The Key to Business Improvements. London: Chapman Hall. Handley, C (2005). Validity and Reliability in Research. Web. Harrell, G., Daim, T.U (2010). HDM Modelling as a Tool to Assist Management with Employee Motivation: The Case of Silicon Forest. Engineering Management Journal, Vol. 22, Issue 1, p. 23-33. Hill, N., Roche, G., Allen, R (2007). Customer Satisfaction: The Customer Satisfaction through the Customers eyes. London: Cogent Publishing. Hopkins, W.G (2000). Quantitative Research Design. Web. Irvin, P.G., Montes, S.D (2009). Met Expectations: The Effects of Expected and Delivered Inducements on Employee Satisfaction. Journal of Occupational Organizational Psychology, Vol. 82, Issue 2, p. 431-451. [Academic Source Premier Database]. Lavigna, B (2010). Driving Performance by Building Employee Satisfaction and Engagement. Government Finance Review, Vol. 26, Issue 1, p. 51-53. Podmoroff, D (2005). 365 Ways to Motivate and Reward your Employee Everyday – with Little or no Money. Ocala, Florida: Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc. Qatar Petroleum Home Page (2010). Web. Sandler, S.F (2010). Employee Satisfaction: Key to Recovery Success? HR Focus, Vol. 87, No. 4, p. 10-15. Sekaran, U (2006). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4th Ed. Wiley-India. Siddiqi, M (2009). Qatar Stands Firm in the Face of Global Financial Storm. Middle East, Issue 402, p 45-49. Stevens, P. (1998). Introduction – Strategic Positioning in the Oil Industry: Trends and Options. In: P. Stevens (Eds) Strategic Positioning in the Oil Industry: Trends and Options. Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. Stevens, M (2003). Selected Qualitative Methods. In: M.M. Stevens (Eds) Interactive Textbook on Clinical Symptoms Research. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Topolosky, P.S (2000). Linking Employee Satisfaction to Business Results. New York, NY: Garland Publishing Inc. Wilson, T.B (1994). Innovative Reward Systems for the Changing Workplace. London: McGraw-Hill Companies. Yi-Feng, Y (2009). An Investigation of Group Interaction functioning Stimulated by Transformational Leadership on Employee Intrinsic and Extrinsic Job Satisfaction: An Extension of Resource-Based Theory Perspective. Social Behaviour Personality: An International Journal, Vol. 37, Issue 9, p. 1259-1277. Footnotes 1 See: Harrell, G., Daim, T.U (2010). HDM Modeling as a Tool to Assist Management with Employee Motivation: The Case of Silicon Forest. Engineering Management Journal, Vol. 22, Issue 1, p. 23-33. 2 â€Å"Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score. The real excitement is playing the game† (Donald Trump).

Aluminum or Aluminium Element Facts

Aluminum or Aluminium Element Facts Aluminum Basic Facts: Symbol: AlAtomic Number: 13Atomic Weight: 26.981539Element Classification: Basic MetalCAS Number: 7429-90-5 Aluminum Periodic Table Location Group: 13Period: 3Block: p Aluminum Electron Configuration Short Form: [Ne]3s23p1Long Form: 1s22s22p63s23p1Shell Structure: 2 8 3 Aluminum Discovery History: Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate- KAl(SO4)2) has been used since ancient times. It was used in tanning, dyeing, and as an aid to stop minor bleeding and even as an ingredient in baking powder. In 1750, German chemist Andreas Marggraf found a technique to produce a new form of alum without the sulfur. This substance was called alumina, which is known as aluminum oxide (Al2O3) today. Most contemporary chemists of the time believed alumina was an earth of a previously unknown metal. Aluminum metal was finally isolated in 1825 by Danish chemist Hans Christian Ørsted (Oersted). German chemist Friedrich Wà ¶hler attempted unsuccessfully to reproduce Ørsteds technique and found an alternate method that also produced metallic aluminum two years later. Historians differ on who should receive credit for the discovery.Name: Aluminum derives its name from alum. The Latin name for alum is alumen meaning bitter salt.Note on Naming: Sir Humphry Davy proposed the name aluminum for th e element, however, the name aluminium was adopted to conform with the ium ending of most elements. This spelling is in use in most countries. Aluminium was also the spelling in the U.S. until 1925 when the American Chemical Society officially decided to use the name aluminum instead. Aluminum Physical Data State at room temperature (300 K): SolidAppearance: soft, light, silvery white metalDensity: 2.6989 g/ccDensity at Melting Point: 2.375 g/ccSpecific Gravity: 7.874 (20  °C)Melting Point: 933.47 K, 660.32  °C, 1220.58  °FBoiling Point: 2792 K, 2519  °C, 4566  °FCritical Point: 8550 KHeat of Fusion: 10.67 kJ/molHeat of Vaporization: 293.72 kJ/molMolar Heat Capacity: 25.1 J/mol ·KSpecific Heat: 24.200 J/g ·K (at 20  °C) Aluminum Atomic Data Oxidation States (Bold most common): 3, 2, 1Electronegativity: 1.610Electron Affinity: 41.747 kJ/molAtomic Radius: 1.43 Ã…Atomic Volume: 10.0 cc/molIonic Radius: 51 (3e)Covalent Radius: 1.24 Ã…First Ionization Energy: 577.539 kJ/molSecond Ionization Energy: 1816.667 kJ/molThird Ionization Energy: 2744.779 kJ/mol Aluminum Nuclear Data Number of isotopes: Aluminum has 23 known isotopes ranging from 21Al to 43Al. Only two occur naturally. 27Al is the most common, accounting for nearly 100% of all natural aluminum. 26Al is nearly stable with a half-life of 7.2 x 105 years and is only found in trace amounts naturally. Aluminum Crystal Data Lattice Structure: Face-Centered CubicLattice Constant: 4.050 Ã…Debye Temperature: 394.00 K Aluminum Uses Ancient Greeks and Romans used alum as an astringent, for medicinal purposes, and as a mordant in dyeing. It is used in kitchen utensils, exterior decorations, and thousands of industrial applications. Although the electrical conductivity of aluminum is only about 60% that of copper per area of cross section, aluminum is used in electrical transmission lines because of its light weight. The alloys of aluminum are used in the construction of aircraft and rockets. Reflective aluminum coatings are used for telescope mirrors, making decorative paper, packaging, and many other uses. Alumina is used in glassmaking and refractories. Synthetic ruby and sapphire have applications in producing coherent light for lasers. Miscellaneous Aluminum Facts Aluminum is the 3rd most abundant element in the Earths crust.Aluminum was once called the Metal of Kings because pure aluminum was more expensive to produce than gold until the Hall-Heroult process was discovered.Aluminum is the most widely used metal after iron.The primary source of aluminum is the ore bauxite.Aluminum is paramagnetic.The top three countries that mine aluminum ore are Guinea, Australia and Vietnam. Australia, China and Brazil lead the world in aluminum production.The IUPAC adopted the name aluminium in 1990 and in 1993 recognized aluminum as an acceptable option for the elements name.Aluminum requires a lot of energy to separate from its ore. Recycling aluminum only requires only 5% of that energy to produce the same amount.Aluminum can be rusted or oxidized by mercury.Rubies are aluminum oxide crystals where some aluminum atoms have been replaced by chromium atoms.A piece of jewelry in the tomb of the 3rd Century Chinese general Chou-Chu has been found to contain 85% aluminum. Historians do not know how the ornament was produced. Aluminum is used in fireworks to make produce sparks and white flames. Aluminum is a common component of sparklers. References: CRC Handbook of Chemistry Physics (89th Ed.), National Institute of Standards and Technology, History of the Origin of the Chemical Elements and Their Discoverers, Norman E. Holden 2001.

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 16

Human Resource Management - Essay Example Implementation of organization policies, employee activities, and decision made by HR managers affect outcomes. The outcome is thus determined by the ability of the human resource management to make appropriate decisions. This paper focuses on steps in the strategic human resource management process. The paper will use TESCO as an example to illustrate and discuss three theoretical perspectives on the nature of HR strategy and demonstrate how the contribution of people to the organization might be understood and enhanced. In the late 1980’s, organizations realized the crucial role of employees as a capital asset in achieving the organizational goal. This led to identification of human resource management practices such as recruitment, training, and career development as significant in enabling an organization to compete effectively. In the contemporary world, organizations are increasingly acknowledging the significance of strategic human resource management. Organizations are taking human resource management practices more seriously due to the realization of the importance of humans in organization success. Strategic human resource management entails creating an appropriate work environment to ensure that employees perform their best toward achieving the organizational goals. Strategic human Resource Management is part of HRM that focuses on issues that affect people working within an organization. Strategic human resource management is beneficial to an organization since it leads to increase in skills possessed by employees by equipping them with the knowledge to deal with problems that arise within and outside the organization but affect the organization. Moreover, it leads to increased competitiveness of an organization. Additionally, strategic HRM encourages organization to develop dynamic organization structures and create more complex business environment to continue competing